This hike makes a nice, moderately difficult loop within Chino Hills State Park. The hike begins at a trailhead in a Yorba Linda neighborhood at the corner of Rimcrest Drive and Blue Gum Drive. This is a popular trailhead, despite the fact that it is not the official entrance into the park. Until recently, there was a welcome sign at this trailhead, but with the opening of the new visitors center in Brea, it appears as if the California State Parks are trying to encourage people to use the official entrance into the park instead of this side entrance.

[flickr id=”6157839300″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”left”] From the trailhead, there are three possible paths to take. Running left to right is the South Ridge Trail and ahead is the Easy Street Trail. This route follows the South Ridge Trail to the left and returns on the Easy Street Trail. A shorter and less strenuous loop can be found by following South Ridge Trail to the right. This other loop will be mapped in a future post.

South Ridge Trail runs the length of the park East to West. Since it does generally follow the ridge line, the trail is quite undulating. From the trailhead, South Ridge Trail heads uphill for two-tenths of a mile before starting some mild up and downs that are gradually downhill. There are several lookout spots along South Ridge Trail that will allow you easily see Catalina Island on a clear day (however, on a smoggy day like when I hike this route, you can’t even see the Big A.)

[flickr id=”6157301829″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”left”] Diemer Trail is a turnoff from South Ridge Trail. Diemer Trail is approximately 1.3 miles from the trailhead. Diemer Trail runs down the hillside between South Ridge Trail and Telegraph Canyon Trail at the base of the canyon through a series of broad switchbacks. As you head down the hill, the vegetation starts to become thicker and the wildlife more apparent.

At the base of the hill you come to Telegraph Canyon Trail, which runs in the canyon between North Ridge Trail and South Ridge Trail. Telegraph Canyon Trail is a wide, well maintained fire road that’s slightly uphill. Along the trail, there are a number of small stream crossings. Normally you can find a dry path along the edge of the trail, where the mountain bikers haven’t dug a rut, but a spare pair of socks would be a good precaution. Continue reading Oak Canyon Nature Center – Tranquility Trail, Wren Way, Bluebird Loop

This hike makes a nice, moderately difficult loop within Chino Hills State Park. The hike begins at a trailhead in a Yorba Linda neighborhood at the corner of Rimcrest Drive and Blue Gum Drive. This is a popular trailhead, despite the fact that it is not the official entrance into the park. Until recently, there was a welcome sign at this trailhead, but with the opening of the new visitors center in Brea, it appears as if the California State Parks are trying to encourage people to use the official entrance into the park instead of this side entrance.

[flickr id=”6157839300″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”left”] From the trailhead, there are three possible paths to take. Running left to right is the South Ridge Trail and ahead is the Easy Street Trail. This route follows the South Ridge Trail to the left and returns on the Easy Street Trail. A shorter and less strenuous loop can be found by following South Ridge Trail to the right. This other loop will be mapped in a future post.

South Ridge Trail runs the length of the park East to West. Since it does generally follow the ridge line, the trail is quite undulating. From the trailhead, South Ridge Trail heads uphill for two-tenths of a mile before starting some mild up and downs that are gradually downhill. There are several lookout spots along South Ridge Trail that will allow you easily see Catalina Island on a clear day (however, on a smoggy day like when I hike this route, you can’t even see the Big A.)

[flickr id=”6157301829″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”false” size=”medium” group=”” align=”left”] Diemer Trail is a turnoff from South Ridge Trail. Diemer Trail is approximately 1.3 miles from the trailhead. Diemer Trail runs down the hillside between South Ridge Trail and Telegraph Canyon Trail at the base of the canyon through a series of broad switchbacks. As you head down the hill, the vegetation starts to become thicker and the wildlife more apparent.

At the base of the hill you come to Telegraph Canyon Trail, which runs in the canyon between North Ridge Trail and South Ridge Trail. Telegraph Canyon Trail is a wide, well maintained fire road that’s slightly uphill. Along the trail, there are a number of small stream crossings. Normally you can find a dry path along the edge of the trail, where the mountain bikers haven’t dug a rut, but a spare pair of socks would be a good precaution. Continue reading Weir Canyon Wilderness Park – Anaheim Hills Riding and Walking Trail